Use the 4WD System (H2, H4 and L4)

The Hilux is a part-time four-wheel-drive truck: you drive on the road in H2 (two-wheel drive) and switch to H4 or L4 only when you need grip off-road. Using the wrong mode on dry tarmac causes transmission wind-up, so it pays to know what each setting does.

What H2, H4 and L4 mean

• H2 – high range, two-wheel drive. Normal driving on dry, hard roads; best economy and least wear.
• H4 – high range, four-wheel drive. For loose, slippery or off-road surfaces where the tyres can slip (mud, ice, snow, gravel). Never use on dry grippy roads.
• L4 – low range, four-wheel drive. Maximum torque for steep climbs and descents, deep sand, mud or hard pulling.

Shifting between H2 and H4

1. Slow to below 100 km/h (62 mph) — the transfer will not change above this speed.
2. Turn the front-wheel drive control switch to H4. The 4WD indicator flashes while it engages, then stays on when done.
3. If the indicator keeps flashing, drive straight and gently accelerate, decelerate or reverse to let the front axle couplers (A.D.D.) engage.
4. To return to H2, turn the switch back; the light flashes, then goes out when two-wheel drive is restored.

Low range and the rear diff lock

Shift into L4 only at a near stop (or per the handbook procedure). To engage the rear differential lock, first be in L4, slow below 8 km/h (5 mph) with the wheels not spinning, then press the diff-lock switch — the indicator flashes while locking. Pressing the switch without first being stopped makes the light flash three times and the lock will not set.

Downhill Assist Control (DAC) holds a slow, steady speed on steep descents. Press the DAC switch with the transfer in H4 or L4 and the vehicle under 30 km/h (18 mph).

If the 4WD indicator keeps flashing and will not engage, or a related warning appears, read the fault code on autodtcs.com.